An inquiry has been launched after a criminal freed early from jail walked out of his bail hostel and repeatedly raped a woman living nearby.

James Donoghue, 42, broke into his 30-year-old victim's home and attacked her at knifepoint. He was captured in Maidstone, Kent, two hours later.

Probation service chiefs are investigating after Donoghue last week admitted rape, sexual assault and burglary. He will be sentenced on December 4. Donoghue was under curfew at his hostel. A Ministry of Justice spokesman promised a review of his case.